An optician is a professional who fits and distributes lenses in order to correct a patient’s vision. There are many ways to become an optician: by earning a two-year associate’s degree from either a two-year college or a technical school, by earning a one-year certificate from a technical school or program; or by learning the skills needed through an apprenticeship. While learning to be an optician, students usually study optical math, optical physics and how to use certain tools and equipment.

Opticians are able to interpret and fill a prescription for corrective lenses that has been written by either an ophthalmologist or optometrist. They have learned how to adjust eyeglasses to properly fit a patient’s face, and they can properly fit patients for the right size contact lenses. Properly fitting lenses allow for accurate, precise functionality.